Gerald G. “Jerry” Mink, 78, of Monona, formerly of Janesville, passed away Feb. 13, 2014, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Madison, with his daughters at his side. He was born Aug. 27, 1935, in Stoughton, WI, the son of Vernard J. Mink and Clarice G. (Felland) Mink. He married Beverly A. Reinke, his childhood sweetheart and love of his life, on April 6, 1957. A graduate of Madison East High School, Gerald served in the Army, stationed at Fort Knox, Ky. Then he worked in the retail foods industry, managing stores in Monroe, and Fort Atkinson, before moving to Janesville, in 1969. He was a proud member of the United Food & Commercial Workers International Union. He also worked for a time for the Janesville School District and had fond memories of the staff and students of Madison Elementary School.

Gerald’s greatest joy in life was his family, including his four children and eight grandchildren. He also enjoyed the landscape and wildlife of Wisconsin, gardening, his pets, and cheering on the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers.

Survivors include his wife, Beverly; three daughters: Deborah Mink, Pam (Jay) Trumbower, Mary (Fred Matt) Mink; and a son, Ron (Bonnie) Mink; two sisters, Vernalyn Puddester and Janet Mink; and an uncle, Robert (Judy) Felland. He is further survived by grandchildren: Chelssey (Caleb) Klenko, Joshua, Aaron, Brandon, and Cameron Mink, and Jenna, Alyssa, and Adam Trumbower; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of Gerald’s life will be held at Noon on Monday, Feb. 17, 2014, at GUNDERSON WEST, 7435 University Ave., Middleton. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until time of service. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Middleton. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to St. Mary’s Foundation, 700 S. Park St, Madison, WI 53715, or visit www.stmarysfoundation.org.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Heritage Assisted Living, Monona, and St. Mary’s Hospital for their care and counsel. During many trips to St. Mary’s in the past year, Gerald found solace in The Gardens of St. Mary’s.

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”